Deal in Kansas Continues to be Elusive

(AP) – The Kansas House expects to vote on a proposed budget that would still leave the state with a $406 million shortfall.

The chamber was considering the measure Wednesday. It would cut in half a budget shortfall initially projected at about $800 million for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

Republican Rep. Don Hill of Emporia said he is concerned about voting for the budget because it would not balance without tax increases.

Proposals to raise taxes have been blocked by the deep divisions within in the GOP supermajorities in both chambers.

House and Senate budget leaders agreed Tuesday to draft an alternative budget plan to be considered the Senate. It would close the budget gap with a 5.7 percent across-the-board cut in funding for state agencies and public schools.